Pennsylvania House Passes Bill Requiring New Teachers To Pass A Drug Test

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) – The state House has passed and sent to the Senate a bill that would require drug testing for prospective teachers and other school employees in Pennsylvania.

The bill, sponsored by Allegheny County Democrat Tony DeLuca, would require pre-employment drug screening for employees at both public and private schools in Pennsylvania.

“We require schools to be drug-free zones. Before an individual is hired in these drug-free zones, shouldn’t it also be required that they, too, be drug free?”

DeLuca called it a “first-step” toward requiring drug tests for current school employees as well. The ACLU immediately denounced the House action as “invasive, impractical, and unconstitutional.” The ACLU says it has successfully litigated this issue in other states and would likely mount a challenge in Pennsylvania as well.

The bill goes to the Senate, where a spokesman for the majority leader says it will be reviewed.